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On October&nbsp;4, a [[tropical wave]] exited the west coast of Africa with a large associated [[tropical cyclone#physical structure|circulation]]. Unfavorable [[wind shear]] prevented any [[tropical cyclogenesis|development]], and the wave continued westward, entering the Caribbean Sea on October&nbsp;11. Two days later, the wave axis encountered a pre-existing [[low pressure area]] in the southwest Caribbean. It quickly developed a well-defined circulation, becoming a tropical depression on October&nbsp;14 off the east coast of Nicaragua. Due to an [[cold-core low|upper-level low]] in the Gulf of Mexico, the system tracked to the northwest, brushing [[Central America]] in its path. The depression developed [[Rainband|banding features]] as the pressure gradually dropped, and intensified into Tropical Storm Lili at around 0600&nbsp;[[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] on October&nbsp;16. During this time, the storm executed a small cyclonic loop while a few hundred miles north of the [[Swan Islands]]. By early on October&nbsp;17, Lili had attained hurricane status while it was turning to the north.<ref name="tcr"/>
On October&nbsp;4, a [[tropical wave]] exited the west coast of Africa with a large associated [[tropical cyclone#physical structure|circulation]]. Unfavorable [[wind shear]] prevented any [[tropical cyclogenesis|development]], and the wave continued westward, entering the Caribbean Sea on October&nbsp;11. Two days later, the wave axis encountered a pre-existing [[low pressure area]] in the southwest Caribbean. It quickly developed a well-defined circulation, becoming a tropical depression on October&nbsp;14 off the east coast of Nicaragua. Due to an [[cold-core low|upper-level low]] in the Gulf of Mexico, the system tracked to the northwest, brushing [[Central America]] in its path. The depression developed [[Rainband|banding features]] as the pressure gradually dropped, and intensified into Tropical Storm Lili at around 0600&nbsp;[[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] on October&nbsp;16. During this time, the storm executed a small cyclonic loop while a few hundred miles north of the [[Swan Islands]]. By early on October&nbsp;17, Lili had attained hurricane status while it was turning to the north.<ref name="tcr"/>


Hurricane Lili grazed the [[Isle of Youth]] on October&nbsp;18, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to the island. Later that day, Lili made landfall in [[Matanzas Province]], [[Cuba]] as a [[Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale|Category 2]] hurricane, with winds close to {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Despite the mountainous terrain, the storm did not weaken, with the same pressure reading of {{convert|975|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}} being observed at landfall and when Lili reemerged into the Atlantic Ocean. After reaching warm waters, Lili further strengthened as it approached the [[Bahamas]]. The [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] of the storm &ndash; reaching a width of over {{convert|35|mi|km|abbr=on}} &ndash; passed over [[San Salvador Island]] and [[Great Exuma]] on October&nbsp;19, and brushed several other islands. That day, a [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] in the westerlies caused Lili to accelerate northeastward, reaching a forward speed of almost {{convert|29|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. On October&nbsp;19 at 1200&nbsp;UTC, Hurricane Lili attained its peak intensity for a brief time, reaching {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} winds and pressure of {{convert|960|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}, both measured by the [[Hurricane Hunters]]. This made Lili the sixth [[Tropical cyclone scales#Atlantic and East Pacific|major hurricane]], or Category&nbsp;3 on the [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale]], of the season.<ref name="tcr"/>
Hurricane Lili grazed [[Isla de la Juventud]] on October&nbsp;18, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to the island. Later that day, Lili made landfall in [[Matanzas Province]], [[Cuba]] as a [[Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale|Category 2]] hurricane, with winds close to {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Despite the mountainous terrain, the storm did not weaken, with the same pressure reading of {{convert|975|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}} being observed at landfall and when Lili reemerged into the Atlantic Ocean. After reaching warm waters, Lili further strengthened as it approached the [[Bahamas]]. The [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] of the storm &ndash; reaching a width of over {{convert|35|mi|km|abbr=on}} &ndash; passed over [[San Salvador Island]] and [[Great Exuma]] on October&nbsp;19, and brushed several other islands. That day, a [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] in the westerlies caused Lili to accelerate northeastward, reaching a forward speed of almost {{convert|29|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. On October&nbsp;19 at 1200&nbsp;UTC, Hurricane Lili attained its peak intensity for a brief time, reaching {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} winds and pressure of {{convert|960|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}, both measured by the [[Hurricane Hunters]]. This made Lili the sixth [[Tropical cyclone scales#Atlantic and East Pacific|major hurricane]], or Category&nbsp;3 on the [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale]], of the season.<ref name="tcr"/>


Within six hours, Lili had weakened below its peak intensity on October&nbsp;19. The center passed {{convert|150|mi|km|abbr=on}} to the southeast of Bermuda, and subsequently the winds gradually decreased. A mid-level [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] caused Lili to slow to an east-southeast drift on October&nbsp;22. After two days, the hurricane again accelerated to the northeast, briefly re-intensifying into a Category&nbsp;2 hurricane. Lili again started a weakening trend soon after, and by October&nbsp;26, was downgraded to a tropical storm about {{convert|345|mi|km|abbr=on}} northwest of the [[Azores]]. On October&nbsp;27, it was estimated that Lili became [[extratropical cyclone|extratropical]], which maintained gale-force winds as it approached Europe. The remnants moved across Ireland and Great Britain on October&nbsp;28 with winds of about {{convert|65|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The remnants of Lili were absorbed by a much larger extratropical system in the [[North Sea]] on October&nbsp;29, which proceeded to cross over the European mainland.<ref name="tcr">{{cite report|author=Miles B. Lawrence|date=1996-11-18|title=Hurricane Lili Preliminary Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996lili.html|accessdate=2013-06-17}}</ref>
Within six hours, Lili had weakened below its peak intensity on October&nbsp;19. The center passed {{convert|150|mi|km|abbr=on}} to the southeast of Bermuda, and subsequently the winds gradually decreased. A mid-level [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] caused Lili to slow to an east-southeast drift on October&nbsp;22. After two days, the hurricane again accelerated to the northeast, briefly re-intensifying into a Category&nbsp;2 hurricane. Lili again started a weakening trend soon after, and by October&nbsp;26, was downgraded to a tropical storm about {{convert|345|mi|km|abbr=on}} northwest of the [[Azores]]. On October&nbsp;27, it was estimated that Lili became [[extratropical cyclone|extratropical]], which maintained gale-force winds as it approached Europe. The remnants moved across Ireland and Great Britain on October&nbsp;28 with winds of about {{convert|65|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The remnants of Lili were absorbed by a much larger extratropical system in the [[North Sea]] on October&nbsp;29, which proceeded to cross over the European mainland.<ref name="tcr">{{cite report|author=Miles B. Lawrence|date=1996-11-18|title=Hurricane Lili Preliminary Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996lili.html|accessdate=2013-06-17}}</ref>


==Preparations and impact==
==Impact==
Lili killed ten people throughout its lifetime. Eight were reported in [[Central America]], and two in the [[United Kingdom]]. Damage figures for [[Central America]] and the [[Bahamas]] are unavailable, but total damages in Central America, Cuba, and the British Isles were estimated at $662&nbsp;million (1996 USD, ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|662000000|1996}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD).
Lili killed ten people throughout its lifetime. Eight were reported in [[Central America]], and two in the [[United Kingdom]]. Damage figures for [[Central America]] and the [[Bahamas]] are unavailable, but total damages in Central America, Cuba, and the British Isles were estimated at $662&nbsp;million (1996 USD, ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|662000000|1996}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD).


===Central America===
===Western Caribbean===
In its formative stages, Lili produced heavy rainfall in portions of Central America, causing flooding that left thousands of people homeless. In Costa Rica, there were three deaths, and in Honduras, there were five deaths.<ref name="tcr"/>
In its formative stages, Lili produced heavy rainfall in portions of Central America, causing flooding that left thousands of people homeless. In Costa Rica, there were three deaths, and in Honduras, there were five deaths.<ref name="tcr"/>

The storm briefly posed a threat to Mexico, and a [[tropical cyclone warnings and watches|tropical storm warning]] was issued from [[Chetumal Bay]] to [[Cabo Catoche]] along the eastern [[Yucatán peninsula]]. A tropical storm warning and hurricane watch were also issued for the [[Cayman Islands]].<ref name="tcr"/>


===Cuba===
===Cuba===
While Lili was still a tropical depression, the government of Cuba issued a [[tropical cyclone warnings and watches|hurricane watch]] for Isla de la Juventud and the provinces of [[Pinar del Río Province|Pinar del Rio]] and [[La Habana Province|Havana]] provinces. On October&nbsp;16, a tropical storm warning was put in place for several provinces, which was upgraded to a hurricane warning the next day for eight provinces, eastward to [[Camagüey Province|Camagüey]].<ref name="tcr"/>
⚫
Lili's strong winds and heavy rains forced the closing of [[José Martí International Airport]] in [[Havana]]; an estimated 247,000 people were evacuated. Up to 29.41&nbsp;in (747&nbsp;mm)of rain fell across the island.<ref name="CUBARAIN">{{cite web|author=Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos|year=2003|title=Lluvias intensas observadas y grandes inundaciones reportadas|language=Spanish|accessdate=2007-02-10|url=http://www.hidro.cu/hidrologia1.htm}}</ref> In [[Isla de la Juventud]], the winds plucked some 16,000&nbsp;tons of grapefruit and oranges from trees while 20&nbsp;ft (6&nbsp;m) waves swept beach-side cottages out to sea. In [[Villa Clara Province|Villa Clara]], all 28 sugar refineries were severely damaged. In [[Old Havana]], dozens of old, poorly built buildings collapsed in the storm's fury. The storm destroyed 2,300 buildings while damaging another 47,000. Much of the sugar, banana, coffee, and citrus harvests were ruined. Total damages were estimated at $362&nbsp;million (1996 USD, ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|362000000|1996}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD).<ref>{{cite web|title=Hurricane Vulnerability in Latin America and The Caribbean: Normalized Damage and Loss Potentials|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/NHR-Cuba.pdf|author=Pielke, Roger; Rubiera, Jose; Landsea, Christopher; Fernandez, Mario; Klein, Roberta|date=August 28, 1996|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|accessdate=October 7, 2010}}</ref>

Crossing central Cuba, Hurricane Lili produced strong winds. The offshore [[Cayo Largo del Sur]] reported {{convert|92|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in [[maximum sustained winds|10 minute sustained winds]], with gusts to {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. On the Isla de la Juventud, wind gusts reached 80&nbsp;mph (130&nbsp;km/h), and on the mainland, [[Santo Domingo, Cuba|Santo Domingo]] reported wind gusts of {{convert|112|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Heavy rainfall accompanied the hurricane's passage through the country, peaking at {{convert|26.04|in|mm|abbr=on}} at a location called La Moza. The storm caused extensive crop damage and left thousands of people homeless.<ref name="tcr"/>

⚫
Lili's strong winds and heavy rains forced the closing of [[José Martí International Airport]] in [[Havana]]; an estimated 247,000 people were evacuated. Up to 29.41&nbsp;in (747&nbsp;mm)of rain fell across the island.<ref name="CUBARAIN">{{cite web|author=Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos|year=2003|title=Lluvias intensas observadas y grandes inundaciones reportadas|language=Spanish|accessdate=2007-02-10|url=http://www.hidro.cu/hidrologia1.htm}}</ref> In [[Isla de la Juventud]], the winds plucked some 16,000&nbsp;tons of grapefruit and oranges from trees while 20&nbsp;ft (6&nbsp;m) waves swept beach-side cottages out to sea. In [[Villa Clara Province|Villa Clara]], all 28 sugar refineries were severely damaged. In [[Old Havana]], dozens of old, poorly built buildings collapsed in the storm's fury. The storm destroyed 2,300 buildings while damaging another 47,000. Much of the sugar, banana, coffee, and citrus harvests were ruined.

Total damages in the country were estimated at $362&nbsp;million (1996 USD).<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Natural Hazards Review|date=August 2003|title=Hurricane Vulnerability in Latin America and The Caribbean: Normalized Damage and Loss Potentials|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/NHR-Cuba.pdf|format=PDF|author=Pielke, Roger; Rubiera, Jose; Landsea, Christopher; Fernandez, Mario; Klein, Roberta|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|accessdate=2013-06-18}}</ref>


===United States===
===United States===
[[Image:Lili1996filledrainblk.gif|thumb|right|250 px|Lili's rainfall in Florida]]
[[Image:Lili1996filledrainblk.gif|thumb|right|250 px|Lili's rainfall in Florida]]
The state of Florida received up to a foot of rain in the days preceding Lili's passage as a frontal zone on its northern periphery led from moderate to heavy rainfall mainly along the Gold coast.<ref name="lilirain">{{cite web|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/lili1996.html|title=Hurricane Lili - October 12–19, 1996|last=Roth|first=David|date=April 23, 2007|publisher=[[Hydrometeorological Prediction Center]]|accessdate=October 7, 2010}}</ref>
[[Tropical cyclone forecast model]]s correctly anticipated that Lili would pass southeast of Florida, despite a potential landfall within 24&nbsp;hours had the storm maintained its previous track. The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for the [[Florida Keys]] but not for the [[Miami metropolitan area]]. Wind gusts in the Florida Keys reached {{convert|38|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at [[Sand Key Light]].<ref name="tcr"/> For several days, a trough extended northward from the hurricane, producing heavy rainfall in the southeast portion of the state. The highest total was {{convert|12.08|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Everglades National Park]].<ref name="lilirain">{{cite report|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/lili1996.html|title=Hurricane Lili - October 12–19, 1996|last=Roth|first=David|date=2007-04-23|publisher=[[Hydrometeorological Prediction Center]]|accessdate=2013-06-18}}</ref>


High waves from the hurricane affected the northern coast of Puerto Rico, causing minor flooding.<ref name="ncdc"/>
High waves from the hurricane affected the northern coast of Puerto Rico, causing minor flooding.<ref name="ncdc"/>
Line 47: Line 55:


===Bahamas===
===Bahamas===
Few affects from Hurricane Lili were reported in the Bahamas, although several impacts were recorded on [[San Salvador Island]]. While there was minimal damage done on the east side of San Salvador, there was extensive damage on the western side. In addition, there was extensive damage to trees at higher elevations, although many other crops had been damaged by wind. There was also damage to houses reported, especially in Cockburn Town and Victoria Hill, where some houses sustained major roof damage, while few had completely lost the roof. Severe beach erosion was reported near French Bay, with waves sweeping the public dock out to sea. Despite the damage recorded, there were no estimates associated with Hurricane Lili in the Bahamas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://idol.union.edu/garverj/Geo35/hurricane/Damage.htm|title=Some effects of Hurricane Lili (Oct 1996)|last=Garver|first=John|date=January 3, 2003|publisher=[[Union College]]|accessdate=December 22, 2010|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5v9pm0eFR|archivedate=December 22, 2010}}</ref>
A hurricane watch was issued for the northwestern Bahamas on October&nbsp;17, which was upgraded to a warning and expanded to cover the central Bahamas on the next day. A tropical storm warning was later issued for the southeastern Bahamas and the [[Turks and Caicos Islands]] islands. While moving through the Bahamas, Lili produced {{convert|92|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 10&ndash;minute sustained winds on [[San Salvador Island]]. On [[Great Exuma]] island, there was an estimated {{convert|15|ft|m|abbr=on}} [[storm tide]]. On that island, several houses were damaged, and many boats sank.<ref name="tcr"/>
While there was minimal damage done on the east side of San Salvador, there was extensive damage on the western side. In addition, there was extensive damage to trees at higher elevations, although many other crops had been damaged by wind. There was also damage to houses reported, especially in Cockburn Town and Victoria Hill, where some houses sustained major roof damage, while few had completely lost the roof. Severe beach erosion was reported near French Bay, with waves sweeping the public dock out to sea. Despite the damage recorded, there were no estimates associated with Hurricane Lili in the Bahamas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://idol.union.edu/garverj/Geo35/hurricane/Damage.htm|title=Some effects of Hurricane Lili (Oct 1996)|last=Garver|first=John|date=January 3, 2003|publisher=[[Union College]]|accessdate=December 22, 2010|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5v9pm0eFR|archivedate=December 22, 2010}}</ref>


===United Kingdom===
===United Kingdom===
On the October 28 and October 29, 1996, the [[United Kingdom]] was hammered by what ''[[The Times]]'' called "arrival from America of Hurricane Lili." Lili produced a 92&nbsp;mph (148&nbsp;km/h) gust at [[Swansea]], [[South Wales]], while bringing a four&nbsp;ft (1.20&nbsp;m) [[storm surge]] that inundated the [[River Thames]]. In [[Somerset]], 500 holiday cottages were severely damaged. A [[United States]] oil drilling platform, under tow in the [[North Sea]], broke loose during the storm and nearly ran aground at [[Peterhead]]. On the [[Isle of Wight]], a sailing boat was beached at [[Chale Bay]]; luckily all five occupants were rescued. The most damaging storm to have struck the United Kingdom, since the [[Great Storm of 1987]], Lili killed two people and left £150&nbsp;million (1996 pounds; $300&nbsp;million 1996 USD, ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|300000000|1996}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD) in damage. The storm also broke a four-month drought over southwest [[England]].
On October&nbsp;28, the extratropical remnants of Lili moved over Ireland and the United Kingdom. [[Alderney]] in the [[Channel Islands]] reported {{convert|52|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} winds, with gusts to 90&nbsp;mph (144&nbsp;km/h. The storm killed six people in Great Britain &ndash; four were related to traffic accidents, and two fishermen were swept into the sea.<ref name="tcr"/>
On the October 28 and October 29, the [[United Kingdom]] was hammered by what ''[[The Times]]'' called "arrival from America of Hurricane Lili." Lili produced a 92&nbsp;mph (148&nbsp;km/h) gust at [[Swansea]], [[South Wales]], while bringing a four&nbsp;ft (1.20&nbsp;m) [[storm surge]] that inundated the [[River Thames]]. In [[Somerset]], 500 holiday cottages were severely damaged. A [[United States]] oil drilling platform, under tow in the [[North Sea]], broke loose during the storm and nearly ran aground at [[Peterhead]]. On the [[Isle of Wight]], a sailing boat was beached at [[Chale Bay]]; luckily all five occupants were rescued. The most damaging storm to have struck the United Kingdom, since the [[Great Storm of 1987]], Lili killed two people and left £150&nbsp;million (1996 pounds; $300&nbsp;million 1996 USD, ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|300000000|1996}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD) in damage. The storm also broke a four-month drought over southwest [[England]].
The hurricane also hit the Channel Islands on the night of the 28th of October 1996. The small island of Jersey, situated 14 miles from Normandy on the north French coast was battered by Lili, as the waves crashed over the sea walls and gale force winds knocked over trees in the Channel.
The hurricane also hit the Channel Islands on the night of the 28th of October 1996. The small island of Jersey, situated 14 miles from Normandy on the north French coast was battered by Lili, as the waves crashed over the sea walls and gale force winds knocked over trees in the Channel.


Revision as of 02:23, 19 June 2013

Hurricane Lili
Category 3 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Hurricane Lili as a Category 3 hurricane over the Bahamas
FormedOctober 14, 1996
DissipatedOctober 29, 1996
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 115 mph (185 km/h)
Lowest pressure960 mbar (hPa); 28.35 inHg
Fatalities10 total
Damage~ $660 million (1996 USD)
Areas affectedCentral America, Cuba, Florida, Bahamas, Bermuda, Ireland, Great Britain
Part of the 1996 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Lili was a relatively long-lived hurricane during the very active 1996 Atlantic hurricane season. Lili formed on October 14 from a tropical wave, which emerged from the coast of west Africa on October 4. The tropical wave which developed into Lili was slow to form due to unfavorable wind shear in the Atlantic and eastern Caribbean Sea. Even after development occurred on October 14, further strengthening of Lili was gradual, having not attained tropical storm status until October 16 and hurricane status on October 17. After making landfall on Cuba, Hurricane Lili accelerated northeastward, briefly peaking as a category 3 hurricane near the Bahamas. For almost an entire week, Hurricane Lili oscillated in intensity while fluctuating several times in forward speed. Over two weeks had passed before Lili finally transitioned into an extratropical storm north of the Azores on October 29.

Hurricane Lili caused considerable damage across Central America, Cuba, and the Bahamas, and United Kingdom. Damage from Hurricane Lili totaled at $660 million (1996 USD, $1.28 billion 2024 USD), with $150,000 (1996 USD, $291,407 2024 USD) in the United States, $362 million (1996 USD, $703 million 2024 USD) in Cuba, and £150 million (approximately $300 million 1996 USD, $583 million 2024 USD) damage in the United Kingdom.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On October 4, a tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa with a large associated circulation. Unfavorable wind shear prevented any development, and the wave continued westward, entering the Caribbean Sea on October 11. Two days later, the wave axis encountered a pre-existing low pressure area in the southwest Caribbean. It quickly developed a well-defined circulation, becoming a tropical depression on October 14 off the east coast of Nicaragua. Due to an upper-level low in the Gulf of Mexico, the system tracked to the northwest, brushing Central America in its path. The depression developed banding features as the pressure gradually dropped, and intensified into Tropical Storm Lili at around 0600 UTC on October 16. During this time, the storm executed a small cyclonic loop while a few hundred miles north of the Swan Islands. By early on October 17, Lili had attained hurricane status while it was turning to the north.[1]

Hurricane Lili grazed Isla de la Juventud on October 18, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to the island. Later that day, Lili made landfall in Matanzas Province, Cuba as a Category 2 hurricane, with winds close to 100 mph (160 km/h). Despite the mountainous terrain, the storm did not weaken, with the same pressure reading of 975 mbar (28.8 inHg) being observed at landfall and when Lili reemerged into the Atlantic Ocean. After reaching warm waters, Lili further strengthened as it approached the Bahamas. The eye of the storm – reaching a width of over 35 mi (56 km) – passed over San Salvador Island and Great Exuma on October 19, and brushed several other islands. That day, a trough in the westerlies caused Lili to accelerate northeastward, reaching a forward speed of almost 29 mph (47 km/h). On October 19 at 1200 UTC, Hurricane Lili attained its peak intensity for a brief time, reaching 115 mph (185 km/h) winds and pressure of 960 mbar (28 inHg), both measured by the Hurricane Hunters. This made Lili the sixth major hurricane, or Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, of the season.[1]

Within six hours, Lili had weakened below its peak intensity on October 19. The center passed 150 mi (240 km) to the southeast of Bermuda, and subsequently the winds gradually decreased. A mid-level ridge caused Lili to slow to an east-southeast drift on October 22. After two days, the hurricane again accelerated to the northeast, briefly re-intensifying into a Category 2 hurricane. Lili again started a weakening trend soon after, and by October 26, was downgraded to a tropical storm about 345 mi (555 km) northwest of the Azores. On October 27, it was estimated that Lili became extratropical, which maintained gale-force winds as it approached Europe. The remnants moved across Ireland and Great Britain on October 28 with winds of about 65 mph (105 km/h). The remnants of Lili were absorbed by a much larger extratropical system in the North Sea on October 29, which proceeded to cross over the European mainland.[1]

Preparations and impact

Lili killed ten people throughout its lifetime. Eight were reported in Central America, and two in the United Kingdom. Damage figures for Central America and the Bahamas are unavailable, but total damages in Central America, Cuba, and the British Isles were estimated at $662 million (1996 USD, $1.29 billion 2024 USD).

Western Caribbean

In its formative stages, Lili produced heavy rainfall in portions of Central America, causing flooding that left thousands of people homeless. In Costa Rica, there were three deaths, and in Honduras, there were five deaths.[1]

The storm briefly posed a threat to Mexico, and a tropical storm warning was issued from Chetumal Bay to Cabo Catoche along the eastern Yucatán peninsula. A tropical storm warning and hurricane watch were also issued for the Cayman Islands.[1]

Cuba

While Lili was still a tropical depression, the government of Cuba issued a hurricane watch for Isla de la Juventud and the provinces of Pinar del Rio and Havana provinces. On October 16, a tropical storm warning was put in place for several provinces, which was upgraded to a hurricane warning the next day for eight provinces, eastward to Camagüey.[1]

Crossing central Cuba, Hurricane Lili produced strong winds. The offshore Cayo Largo del Sur reported 92 mph (148 km/h) in 10 minute sustained winds, with gusts to 120 mph (190 km/h). On the Isla de la Juventud, wind gusts reached 80 mph (130 km/h), and on the mainland, Santo Domingo reported wind gusts of 112 mph (180 km/h). Heavy rainfall accompanied the hurricane's passage through the country, peaking at 26.04 in (661 mm) at a location called La Moza. The storm caused extensive crop damage and left thousands of people homeless.[1]

Lili's strong winds and heavy rains forced the closing of José Martí International Airport in Havana; an estimated 247,000 people were evacuated. Up to 29.41 in (747 mm)of rain fell across the island.[2] In Isla de la Juventud, the winds plucked some 16,000 tons of grapefruit and oranges from trees while 20 ft (6 m) waves swept beach-side cottages out to sea. In Villa Clara, all 28 sugar refineries were severely damaged. In Old Havana, dozens of old, poorly built buildings collapsed in the storm's fury. The storm destroyed 2,300 buildings while damaging another 47,000. Much of the sugar, banana, coffee, and citrus harvests were ruined.

Total damages in the country were estimated at $362 million (1996 USD).[3]

United States

Lili's rainfall in Florida

Tropical cyclone forecast models correctly anticipated that Lili would pass southeast of Florida, despite a potential landfall within 24 hours had the storm maintained its previous track. The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for the Florida Keys but not for the Miami metropolitan area. Wind gusts in the Florida Keys reached 38 mph (61 km/h) at Sand Key Light.[1] For several days, a trough extended northward from the hurricane, producing heavy rainfall in the southeast portion of the state. The highest total was 12.08 in (307 mm) in Everglades National Park.[4]

High waves from the hurricane affected the northern coast of Puerto Rico, causing minor flooding.[5]

On October 18, a low pressure area developed near Norfolk, Virginia, which moved up the coastline and struck New England the next day. The system drew moisture from Lili, which dropped heavy rainfall over portions of the northeastern United States that reached 13.03 in (331 mm) in Newburyport, Massachusetts. In the state, the rains flooded hundreds of houses, leaving over $10 million in damage. High rainfall and a storm surge flooded coastal portions of Maine, and Portland lost freshwater access for 24 hours after a water main broke. There was one indirect death when a man tried driving across a flooded road in Cumberland County, and damage in the state totaled over $26 million. Heavy rainfall in New Hampshire also caused flooding, and river flooding occurred in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey due to the storm. Farther south in Delaware, the rains caused flash flooding in northern New Castle County, and roadway flooding occurred in eastern Maryland.[5]

Bahamas

A hurricane watch was issued for the northwestern Bahamas on October 17, which was upgraded to a warning and expanded to cover the central Bahamas on the next day. A tropical storm warning was later issued for the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands islands. While moving through the Bahamas, Lili produced 92 mph (148 km/h) in 10–minute sustained winds on San Salvador Island. On Great Exuma island, there was an estimated 15 ft (4.6 m) storm tide. On that island, several houses were damaged, and many boats sank.[1]

While there was minimal damage done on the east side of San Salvador, there was extensive damage on the western side. In addition, there was extensive damage to trees at higher elevations, although many other crops had been damaged by wind. There was also damage to houses reported, especially in Cockburn Town and Victoria Hill, where some houses sustained major roof damage, while few had completely lost the roof. Severe beach erosion was reported near French Bay, with waves sweeping the public dock out to sea. Despite the damage recorded, there were no estimates associated with Hurricane Lili in the Bahamas.[6]

United Kingdom

On October 28, the extratropical remnants of Lili moved over Ireland and the United Kingdom. Alderney in the Channel Islands reported 52 mph (84 km/h) winds, with gusts to 90 mph (144 km/h. The storm killed six people in Great Britain – four were related to traffic accidents, and two fishermen were swept into the sea.[1]

On the October 28 and October 29, the United Kingdom was hammered by what The Times called "arrival from America of Hurricane Lili." Lili produced a 92 mph (148 km/h) gust at Swansea, South Wales, while bringing a four ft (1.20 m) storm surge that inundated the River Thames. In Somerset, 500 holiday cottages were severely damaged. A United States oil drilling platform, under tow in the North Sea, broke loose during the storm and nearly ran aground at Peterhead. On the Isle of Wight, a sailing boat was beached at Chale Bay; luckily all five occupants were rescued. The most damaging storm to have struck the United Kingdom, since the Great Storm of 1987, Lili killed two people and left £150 million (1996 pounds; $300 million 1996 USD, $583 million 2024 USD) in damage. The storm also broke a four-month drought over southwest England. The hurricane also hit the Channel Islands on the night of the 28th of October 1996. The small island of Jersey, situated 14 miles from Normandy on the north French coast was battered by Lili, as the waves crashed over the sea walls and gale force winds knocked over trees in the Channel.

Aftermath

Political fallout

Criticism followed after Hurricane Lili, mainly the disaster relief in Cuba. Many Cuban exiles debated on whether to get involved with the disaster relief. On issues involving Cuba and the exile community, offering disaster relief is an emotional decision fraught with political implications.[7]

Things became more complicated when two rescue planes were allegedly shot down and anti-Castro radio stations urging listeners to withhold relief money. Tomas Garcia-Fuste, WCMQ programming director said it violates the Helms-Burton Act, which penalizes companies that do business with Cuba. Fuste also said Castro purposely exaggerated the damage done by the hurricane—to get exiles to send much-needed food and medicine that they normally would not send. He and other advocates feared that Castro's government will steal the supplies.[7]

Foreign aid

President Bill Clinton approved humanitarian aid to the Cuban victims through the Catholic Church.[8]

Comparisons

The political impact from Hurricane Lili were similar to the fallout from Hurricane Flora of 1963, Hurricane Charley of 2004, as well as Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina of 2005. Political and historic tension between the communist government and the exiles and U.S. had hampered relief efforts and aid to the victims. "Don't let politics blind you from helping us", said one victim.[8]

See also

Sources

World Wide Web

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Miles B. Lawrence (1996-11-18). Hurricane Lili Preliminary Report (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
  2. ^ Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos (2003). "Lluvias intensas observadas y grandes inundaciones reportadas" (in Spanish). Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  3. ^ Pielke, Roger; Rubiera, Jose; Landsea, Christopher; Fernandez, Mario; Klein, Roberta (August 2003). "Hurricane Vulnerability in Latin America and The Caribbean: Normalized Damage and Loss Potentials" (PDF). Natural Hazards Review. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2013-06-18.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ Roth, David (2007-04-23). Hurricane Lili - October 12–19, 1996 (Report). Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved 2013-06-18.
  5. ^ a b Severe Weather and Unusual Weather Phenomena (PDF) (Report). National Climatic Data Center. October 1996. Retrieved 2013-06-18.
  6. ^ Garver, John (January 3, 2003). "Some effects of Hurricane Lili (Oct 1996)". Union College. Archived from the original on December 22, 2010. Retrieved December 22, 2010.
  7. ^ a b Garcia, Manny (October 20, 1996). "Lively debate on disaster relief for Cuba". Miami Herald. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
  8. ^ a b Cabrera, Ulises (October 23, 1996). "Lili: the Cuban people face a new challenge". CubaNet. Retrieved November 9, 2010.

Printed Media

  • Longshore, David. "Cuba: 1996, Hurricane Lili." Encyclopedia of Hurricanes, Typhoons and Cyclones. David Longshore. New York: Facts on File, 1998, Pg; 81.
  • Longshore, David. "Europe: Hurricane Lili." Encyclopedia of Hurricanes, Typhoons and Cyclones. David Longshore. New York: Facts on File, 1998, Pg; 116.
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